Kang Ji-hwan doesn’t want to lose Faith

Is it just me, or is everyone in dramaland impersonating a yo-yo these days? At least Kang Ji-hwan is trying to STAY on a drama rather than leave one. Blockbuster 3D fusion sageuk medical drama (rah, that’s a mouthful) Faith has lost its leading man, not once, but twice, and it looks like bachelor number two is back again for another round.

Kang Ji-hwan is reportedly digging his heels in, trying to iron out his ongoing battle with the Korea Entertainment Producers Association, so that he can stick with Faith, which begins principal photography next month. He had originally announced leaving the production due to the contract dispute that’s been hanging over his head for the past year. It’s also been putting a damper on a certain co-blogger’s penchant for dramas starring the man in question.

Kang’s side claims that his contract dispute with his last management company was settled, but the Korea Entertainment Producers Association claims that he starred in Coffee House without clearance, and has since pushed for him to take a hiatus, prompting him to finally bow out of Faith late last year. The hilarious thing is, the Producers Association is claiming that they never forced him to quit Faith. But…are you still boycotting? ‘Cause I’m not good at math, but that doesn’t add up, from where I stand.

Faith‘s PD Kim Jong-hak (Legend) released a noncommittal statement that nothing could be announced officially because Kang Ji-hwan’s dispute hasn’t been cleared yet, though I can see a multitude of reasons why he’d want to hang on to Kang, not least of which is the 10 million won blown on pre-production with Kang as the star, including test shots and promotional materials.

The astronomical budget of 30 billion won is mostly going to be funding the special effects, which makes me think that despite its description as a drama about eastern medicine in the Goryeo era, that it’s going to be much more action-centric, a la PD Kim’s last drama, Legend.

March 8, 2011 at 1:04 PM

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KEPA will claim this to keep out of a lawsuit from KJH agency or himself.... but the behind the scene truth could be that they pressured him until he gave up Faith... when he pointed the finger on them they just told "WHO?US? NO WAY" - there are a few scandals ongoing that KEPA should mediate ... but the results are nowhere to be seen (see JYJ -Mycky Yoochun is one of them- or a lil more recently KARA or 2009's scandal with BBF suicide girl -in that scandal not even police could poke its nose in shady Korean entertainment)

don't worry this happens not only in Korea... the power of money is scary

even I don't like KJH's acting(in fact I really hate it ) I like that he fights against the system for his own right

March 8, 2011 at 1:31 PM

March 8, 2011 at 1:54 PM

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A 3D drama? *snort* Excuse me while I try to regain my composure. This is simply ridiculous. I may sound like an old fuddy duddy (despite being in my 20s), but this whole 3D craze is straight up annoying and unnecessary and I refuse to watch anything in 3D. Sorry Kang Ji-hwan, you may be adorable, but maybe next time when you stick to the 2D world. *continues to side-eye anybody buying a 3D TV*

March 8, 2011 at 2:26 PM

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is it 3D???????? I know that Koreans want to establish the first channel airing in 3D...however...(c'mon Samsung, LG,Daewoo and other kgroups with a huge presence around the world-are companies which sell TV sets... and for a usual TV has a life span of 10-15 years- so they need to be inventive if they want big sales)

I have a serious astigmatism (over 3) seriously how could I ever watch a 3D smth?(I tried a few movies even I knew the restrictions-of course I had just headaches

March 8, 2011 at 4:33 PM

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also in my 20s and think 3D is horrible fad. I've watched a few 3D movies (mostly because of my friends) and I actually get less enjoyment from 3D than a regular movie. 3D is just so gimmicky, like blinking text or the sparkly animated gifs of yore. And it really sucks for people like me who wear glasses instead of contacts.

I'll still watch Faith, but I'm worried about how much money will be going into making a 3D tv series, that may or may not rake in ratings (you never know what's going to tickle someone's fancy). How are they going to work 3D in with the already crazy filming schedule (and the KJH dispute), unless everything is filmed before airing.

March 9, 2011 at 6:19 AM

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Though I've seen two movies in 3D, I'm still not quite fond of it. Even if I have the money, I don't see myself buying a 3D TV. It's painful to the eyes and gives me headache. I'm in my 20's as well, so I'm a fuddy duddy, too! I love the term. :p